Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are significantly more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to those without the condition, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Birmingham.
The study found that women with PCOS face a 51% higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Even after accounting for factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and impaired glucose regulation—common in women with PCOS—the risk remained 26% higher than in women without the condition.
Researchers are now urging health policymakers to provide targeted guidance for women with PCOS, advising them to strictly follow COVID-19 prevention measures while the pandemic continues.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects roughly one in 10 women in the UK. Its main symptoms include irregular periods, elevated levels of male hormones (which can cause excess facial or body hair), and fluid-filled follicles on the ovaries that prevent normal ovulation.
Women with PCOS are already at greater risk for cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—all known risk factors for COVID-19.
The study, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, analyzed UK general practice records from the first wave of the pandemic, between January and July 2020. It involved over 21,000 women with PCOS and more than 78,000 women without the condition, matched by age and location.
The incidence of COVID-19 was 18.1 cases per 1,000 person-years among women with PCOS, compared to 11.9 cases per 1,000 person-years among those without it.
Dr. Krish Nirantharakumar, joint senior author from the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of protecting mental health while encouraging COVID-19 precautions. “Women with PCOS already have a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Isolation measures need to be balanced with mental health support,” he said.
Dr. Michael O’Reilly, co-author from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, noted that women with PCOS often experience delays in diagnosis and feel misunderstood by healthcare providers. “These women may worry that their higher risk of COVID-19 will make it even harder to access care,” he explained.
Professor Wiebke Arlt, another senior author and Director of the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, added that while virtual healthcare has expanded during the pandemic, it may not fully meet the needs of women with PCOS.
Professor Arlt, who also leads the DAISy-PCOS research program, concluded: “Our findings highlight the need for greater awareness of the elevated COVID-19 risk in women with PCOS. However, more research is needed to understand if they also face a higher risk of severe illness or long-term complications from the virus.”
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